San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey continues to be sidelined with Achilles tendinitis that led to him visiting a specialist in Germany.
It doesn’t appear that McCaffrey, who has been out the entire year, will return imminently.
“No telling when he will be back,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Thursday (33-second mark below).
“Certainly seems like more of a matter of weeks rather than McCaffrey nearing a return, which means more Jordan Mason for the San Francisco 49ers.”
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #49ers injury updates on RB Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, plus Deebo Samuel is back at practice. Meanwhile, the #Eagles are pretty short-handed at WR. pic.twitter.com/RG3NRVYiFL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2024
McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns last season. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro earned Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts.
Mason has done well as RB1, gaining 344 total yards and scoring twice. He’s rushed for 4.8 yards per carry, and the 49ers haven’t been shy about using him. Mason has run for an NFL-high 67 times thus far.
But injuries have significantly affected the 49ers, particularly on offense. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is dealing with a multi-week calf injury. A hamstring injury forced George Kittle to miss his team’s 27-24 road loss at the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.
Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave is on injured reserve with a triceps injury and will miss the season. Guard Jon Feliciano (knee) is on IR but is expected to return midseason. A torn Achilles suffered during last year’s Super Bowl has kept linebacker Dre Greenlaw out for the beginning of the season.
There is some good news, as safety Talanoa Hufanga did return from a torn ACL against the Rams. But it’s a brutal stretch for the defending NFC champions, who have started 1-2. San Francisco will look to even its record on Sunday at home against the New England Patriots.